Savvy book lovers are encouraged to take part in the Dartford Book exchange, which officially launched last week.

Mayor of Dartford Avatar Sandhu opened the event on Thursday (April 2) at the Stephen Oliver Gallery and Studio in the Orchard Shopping Centre on the High Street.

The book swapping event runs until Wednesday April 22, to coincide with World Book Night on April 23, when volunteers give out hundreds of thousands of books to people do not read regularly.

Coun Sandhu said: “Reading is so important and this is a real community initiative.”

The event was organised by Stephen Oliver and Kelly Grehan, who said: "We were inspired by the success of the Christmas Toy Appeal and World Book Night which is on 23rd April."

Mr Oliver said: "I hope lots of people will come and swap their books."

World Book Night is run by The Reading Agency, a national charity who inspire people to become confident readers and give them an equal chance in life.

Any leftover books from the Dartford Book Exchange will be shared amongst local organisations.